Call for Volunteer Applications for the Summer of 2020

Call For Applications

2020 Summer Student Volunteer Program

Columbia, SC National Weather Service Forecast Office

The Columbia, SC National Weather Service Forecast Office in West Columbia, SC is accepting applications through February 28th, 2020 for volunteer intern positions for the summer of 2020. This program allows current college students to gain hands-on operational experience in a Weather Forecast Office as well as conduct a guided research project that will be presented at the end of the summer. Students will be selected through a competitive application review and phone interview process.

Program Overview

The National Weather Service Columbia, SC Forecast Office has forecast and warning responsibility for the Midlands of South Carolina and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) of eastern Georgia, including the cities of Columbia and Augusta. During the summer months, there is a range of weather that can impact the region, including severe convection and tornadoes, flash flooding, extreme heat, and tropical cyclones.

Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with NWS operations, policies and procedures, software and computer systems, and hydrological/meteorological products. Additionally, students will work with a local meteorologist to conduct meaningful research that will help our office better serve our partners and assure the protection of life and property.

Competition for positions within NOAA’s National Weather Service has increased in recent years, and it has proven beneficial for recent college students to have prior forecasting operational experience when they apply for positions within the National Weather Service.

Requirements

Must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program
Must be majoring or minoring in Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences, or a related field
Must be a United States citizen
Must pass a security screening to have access to the building and computers

Duties

The expected duties of the student will be:

Volunteer approximately 16 hours per week from late May through early August.
Gain valuable experience by shadowing forecasters and assisting with operational tasks as needed.
Work on collaborative research project focusing on the local forecast area.

This is a volunteer program, Students will not get paid for their time in the office. It may be possible for the student to gain class credit for their time spent at the office, which will be determined by the student’s academic advisor or department head.

To Apply

Students wishing to apply to the Student Volunteer Program must submit:

An application
A 1-page resume
A complete transcript of all college coursework (unofficial is acceptable). Please include your name on top of each page.

You can submit your application package one of three ways:

Mail hard copy to:

    Columbia, SC Weather Forecast Office

    Attn: Whitney Smith

    2909 Aviation Way

    West Columbia, SC 29170-2102
Fax documents to:

803-822-8188

Attn: Whitney Smith
Email Whitney Smith and request a secure drop box be set up (for security purposes).